Hunter Education Instructors Needed

AUSTIN, Texas — Hunters 21 and older who find themselves wanting to give back to the activity they love and enjoy should contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and become certified as a hunter education instructor.

“The department needs men and women to share their love for hunting and the great outdoors by volunteering as an instructor,” said Terry Erwin, hunter education program coordinator. “The Hunter Education Program's goals are to reduce hunting related accidents and violations; promote safe, responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunting practices and enhance conservation efforts, hunting traditions and values. Current instructors include game wardens, volunteers and professional educators, but we need your volunteer help to carry on this valuable tradition.”

Prospective instructors must graduate from a state-certified hunter education student course in addition to taking TPWD’s four-hour online training and then attend an 8-hour instructor training workshop and written examination. Other steps include an oral interview by a TPWD game warden. A criminal background check will be conducted and those failing to meet certain standards may be denied certification.

Application forms and a schedule of upcoming instructor certification workshops are available by contacting Erwin at (800) 792-1112 ext. 4999 or visit the TPWD web site at tpwd.texas.gov/learning/hunter_education/instruct.phtml